Roger's story
WA: Born and Bred
Roger was born in Perth in 1965 - the youngest of six siblings.
The son of a family doctor and an early childhood educator, Roger often says it was the values his parents instilled in him which shaped the man he is today.
From an early age, he learnt the importance of hard work, passion and doing the right thing.
Growing up on the beach, like most West Aussies, he also developed a lifelong love of fitness and sport.
Building Stronger Communities
Prior to entering politics, Roger studied at Murdoch University before completing a Postgraduate Diploma and a Master of Business Administration at Curtin University.
He was active in campus politics and established the National Union of Students, as its first National President.
After completing his studies Roger Cook later became involved with several Aboriginal advocacy groups, serving as CEO of an Aboriginal Corporation, and as Manager for the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council.
He’s been a lifelong supporter of WA sport - including as an avid fan of the Western Force and Fremantle Dockers.
Kwinana Dad
Roger raised his family in Wellard, where he continues to live today with his wife Carly.
In 2008, Roger was elected as the State representative for Kwinana, standing up for his local community - assisting residents, school groups, and sporting clubs.
Roger is local and active, and a prominent and proud advocate for his hometown of Kwinana.
Experienced leader in a united team
Since the election of the WA Labor Government in 2017, Roger has been an integral member of the leadership team, serving in a number of key portfolios.
As the Deputy Premier and Health Minister, Roger was an integral part of Western Australia’s world-leading response to the COVID-19 pandemic, that allowed WA’s economy to go from strength to strength even in the middle of a global pandemic.
He oversaw the introduction of landmark Voluntary Assisted Dying laws, providing choice to Western Australians who are reaching the end of their life and suffering in pain.
In 2021, he took on the portfolios of State Development and Jobs and Trade, and then later added Tourism, to assist with Western Australia’s transition out of the pandemic.
He served alongside Mark McGowan as Deputy Leader from 2012, before becoming the 31st Premier of Western Australia in June 2023.
31st Premier of Western Australia
Roger leads a Government that delivers outcomes that will set Western Australia up for a prosperous future. To create quality jobs and deliver on his plan to diversify the State’s economy.
He believes in looking after the society’s most vulnerable and investing in the best possible services for Western Australians.
Roger believes Western Australia’s best is not in our past - it’s in our future.
And we’ll always do what’s right for WA.